Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $23.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Kalispell, MT runs $23.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,660 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, the pharmacy technician hourly pay is projected to reach $23.77 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $23.19. This hourly rate provides a solid income for both full-time pharmacy technicians and those seeking part-time roles, such as those working two to three days a week. In busy environments like retail pharmacy counters or hospital sterile compounding setups (following USP <797> and <800> guidelines), technicians can find rewarding opportunities that fit their schedules. The hourly pay range for pharmacy technicians in Kalispell extends from $19.53 for entry-level positions to $28.88 for the most experienced professionals. With this structure, technicians have the flexibility to choose their employment model, making it appealing for those seeking per diem work or variable hours across various pharmacy settings.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.53 | $156.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.92 | $159.34 |
| Median (P50) | $23.77 | $190.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.70 | $197.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.88 | $231.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $23.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.77/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $49,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,519. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $950.65 | $4,119 | $49,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.39 | $2,472 | $29,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.26 | $1,648 | $19,773 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Kalispell) | $23.77 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
Pharmacy Technicians in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $49,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.50% higher than the national median of $48,239 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $51,774.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.77/hr = $29,660/year (purchasing power: $30,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,434/year (purchasing power: $51,386).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Kalispell grew 34.8% from $16.73/hr (2019) to $22.54/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.06/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.44% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacy Technician in Kalispell
Earning potential for pharmacy technicians in Kalispell can vary significantly depending on their employment structure. For instance, a part-time technician working 24 hours a week could expect to bring home approximately $29,759 annually, while full-time technicians would enjoy considerably higher earnings. For those pursuing per diem or temporary roles, the pay can range from $20 to $32 per hour, with higher rates for specialized roles such as sterile compounding positions commonly found in hospitals, where per diem rates can reach $25 to $40 per hour. Contract opportunities may see travel pharmacy techs earning between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. In terms of job type, retail pharmacy chains might offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits, while hospital pharmacies often offer higher pay reflecting the more stringent compliance requirements. Negotiating for better pay may include weighing the pros and cons of benefits versus higher hourly wages without insurance options, allowing pharmacy technicians in Kalispell to make strategic decisions based on their personal and financial needs.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Kalispell in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Kalispell?
Are pharmacy technicians in Kalispell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Kalispell?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kalispell?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacy technicians in Kalispell. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kalispell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052).
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov